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| Rex begonia |
One
of the most stunningly colorful plants I have yet to encounter is the
Rex begonia. Although it does not like too much direct sun, when sunlight hits the leaves,it, its iridescent colors are dazzling. To those of us
not used to living around such vivid plants, this species of begonia may appear to be
something out of a science fiction novel. This one lives in my living
room and its wondrous colors brightens up the room; its colors are a
delightful complement to the other colors in that room. It even blooms from time to time with a sweet light pink single-petaled flower.
The
first Rex begonia to be cultivated was discovered by a botanist in 1856
in Assam, a north eastern state in India. Since then, many, many
hybrids have been produced. The one you see in your nursery is a
hybrid of the first one used for cultivation from India.
Care Instructions--
***See a variety of video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, on YouTube:
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| Muehlenbeckia complexa |
I was invited by my neighbor to come over and look at her plants to see if I could offer any suggestions. She recently bought several at a local plant store. This small and sweet slice of life was sitting on her kitchen counter.
It's called a Wire vine or Maidenhair vine. With tiny soft green leaves on creeping, twining reddish-brown stems, this smallish plant can add a touch of freshness wherever it is placed. It can be pruned as needed to keep it compact. It should divide quite easily if it's root-bound and you still want a small plant.
This is one of the 'forgiving' plants, as I call them, meaning they can recover from setbacks beautifully. If they have a setback or are doing poorly, cut them back quite a bit, remove dead leaves and stems, and it will grow into a lovely plant again, if their care is corrected.
This can become a lovely hanging basket if you'd like. I hope that it blooms for you! It has greenish white flowers that show up as small spikes.
Botanically known as Muehlenbeckia complexa, its natural habitat is New Zealand. It can become quite the thicket, if not managed. It is used decoratively to cover walls and fences outdoors.
Care Instructions:
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| ©2021 |
My newest neighbor was graciously showing me around her house when I saw this. She had recently purchased this healthy specimen of the curious ZZ plant. She has it in a perfect spot. It's in bright indirect light and with minimal attention, it should be living with her for years.
Although the soil should dry out quite a bit between waterings, it should not be neglected. ZZ's are tolerant of sitting pretty dry for awhile but watering it as soon as it's ready is best.
This is a fairly new specimen on the houseplant market and has turned out to be very popular. I've seen this often labelled as a Zamioculcus zamifolia. My most trusted source for houseplant information, when I've been unsure is Alfred Byrd Graf's comprehensive "Exotic Plant Manual". His picture of the Zamioculcus zamifolia, an African native, is different and shows a plant similar to this with more yellow showing in its veins.
If I ever find out for sure, I will list this plant's official last name. Even experts don't know all the answers every time but should develop a good sense about their subject. They should also have good and reliable resources when questions come up.
I do believe this is a Zamioculcus because of the bloom I've seen on one. This species does have a reputation for being a very hardy houseplant and I hope your's lives with you for a long time!
Care Instructions--
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| ©2021 |
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| Aglaonema Schismatoglottis roebellini |
This particular Chinese Evergreen has a name that we always enjoyed pronouncing for curious plant buyers at the first plant store I worked at in the 1970's. We pronounced it as Shish-mu-glottis. That is the horticultural name of this plant. Its botanical name is Aglaonema crispum.
Most plants are sold under their botanical name. I do not why official names in botany and horticulture sometimes vary. Scientists often disagree on things. Common names sometimes vary from area to area and it is up to the discretion of the grower which common name to use. You can call this a Chinese evergreen. Quite a long time ago, one of its common names was Painted droptongue!
What is most helpful to a plant owner is how to care for it so that it will live with you for a long time. The family of Chinese evergreens has the reputation of being among the hardiest of houseplants. With regular good care they rarely have problems. If their care is off-track for awhile, they usually recover well.
My friend, Suzy, graciously allowed me to take this picture of her plant when I stopped by for a visit.
Care Instructions:
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| ©2020 |
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| Sedum x orpetti |
